After weeks of research and waiting for the right moment to begin interviews, Connecticut athletic director Warde Manuel gave every impression he wanted to move fast in his search for a new football coach for the Huskies. Manuel did just that, finding his man on Wednesday – just four days into the actual interview process.
According to several published reports, Notre Dame defensive coordinator Bob Diaco will be the next coach at UConn. As of late Wednesday night, UConn had not released any information. It’s possible the final details of the contract wouldn’t be completed until Thursday, followed by an introductory press conference in Storrs either Thursday or Friday.
The deal, according to CBSSports.com, would be for five years – beginning at $1.5 million.
Diaco, 40, reportedly accepted UConn’s offer after the Huskies were turned down earlier Wednesday by Michigan State coordinator Pat Narduzzi. On Tuesday, Narduzzi received the 2013 Frank Broyles Award, given annually to the nation’s top assistant coach. Diaco, who became defensive coordinator for the Irish in 2010, won the same award in 2012.
Notre Dame, which played in the national championship game last season, finished 8-4 this season and will play Rutgers in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 28. The Irish ranked 32nd in scoring defense this season.
Diaco is described as passionate, fiery and intense – much more like Randy Edsall, personality wise, than Paul Pasqualoni. Pasqualoni was fired in September after the Huskies started the season 0-4. Interim head coach T.J. Weist finished the season 3-5 after taking over for Pasqualoni.
There was no initial word on whether or not Weist will remain on Diaco’s staff.
Diaco is from Cedar Grove, N.J. and New Jersey is a critical state for UConn in the recruiting battles.
This is a critical hire for Manuel and it appears he was involved with two of the top assistants in college football. One report said Narduzzi, born in New Haven, turned down UConn over the amount of compensation the Huskies were offering assistant coaches.
“I was honored to be considered by Warde Manuel and the University of Connecticut for its head coaching position,” Narduzzi said in a statement released through Michigan State. “After consideration, I have withdrawn from the search, and I’m devoting my full attention to our players and team in preparation for our Rose Bowl game. Go Spartans!”
Here is a biography profile of Diaco from the Notre Dame web site.
Speak Your Mind